Westbrook to miss at least 27 games

Westbrook to miss at least 27 games

1of2Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook (left) had arthroscopic surgery Friday on his right knee.Photo: John Minchillo / Associated Press

2of2Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook (0) looks to pass around New York Knicks point guard Beno Udrih (18) during the first half of an NBA basketball game at Madison Square Garden, Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2013, in New York. The Thunder won 123-94. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)Photo: Associated Press

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Thunder guard Russell Westbrook had arthroscopic knee surgery Friday and will be sidelined until after the All-Star break.

Westbrook will miss at least 27 games.

“He will be missed,” coach Scott Brooks said before Oklahoma City's game Friday night against the Charlotte Bobcats.

“Obviously, we are a very good team with him, and without him we're still going to be a very good team.”

General manager Sam Presti said in a news release earlier in the day that Westbrook has been playing pain-free, but “recently had experienced increased swelling” in his right knee.

“After consultation and consideration by his surgeon in Los Angeles, a plan was established to monitor the swelling that included a series of scheduled MRIs,” Presti said in the release.

“On the most recent MRI it was determined by the surgeon that there was an area of concern that had not previously existed, nor was detectable in the previous procedures, and it was necessary to evaluate Russell further. The consulting physician determined that arthroscopic surgery was necessary to address the swelling that was taking place.”

Brooks said Reggie Jackson, who is averaging 12.5 points, will start. Jeremy Lamb also will see increased playing time in Westbrook's absence.

“Guys believe in what he does for our team,” Brooks said of Jackson.

Westbrook's knee problems began in April when he tore his meniscus in the second game of the Western Conference playoffs, sidelining him for the remainder of the postseason and all but ending Oklahoma City's chances of reaching the NBA Finals.